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Is HIV Test Done 3 Weeks After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jan 2016

Question: Hello doc.

I had 2 protected sexual
exposure for like 30-40 seconds. with sex workers in dubai before 3 week and 2 week.
I had cold and fever for a day ( yesterday ). I got very cery worried. I went today to std clinic and gave my blood for hiv testing. I recd the 4th gen duo trat result ( negative ). Still pcr is pending. I would like to know from you that what is the accuracy of my duo test at 2 and 3 weeks. And whats the possibility of pcr result being any differnt. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
4th generation HIV Duos test is highly reliable and accurate after 2 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

You had protected sexual exposure both the times than the risk of transmission of HIV is already not there and the result of 4th gen duos test is negative at 2 and 3 weeks so you need not to worry so much as you are risk free from HIV.

4th generation HIV Duos test is more than 90% reliable and conclusive after two weeks but still it needs to be repeated after 3 months to be 100% accurate as per international HIV guidelines. The possibility of PCR result being different is also very rare or negligible so the result will definitely come in your favor.

Having multiple sexual partners is very high risk for HIV so as your friend I will advice you to stay away from such unsafe practices to prevent the future risk of HIV and other STDs. Avoid stress or anxiety related to HIV as you are absolutely safe. Wishing you happy and healthy life ahead.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (8 minutes later)

Just to clarify. I have had test today. So one exposure is before 2 weeks and 1 before 3 weeks. Still your answer will be same i hope ?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes 4th generation test is highly reliable after 2 weeks of exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

4th generation HIV Duos test is highly reliable and accurate any time after 2 weeks of exposure so don't get worried because you are free from HIV.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (14 hours later)

Thank you doc. I feel slighty more relaxed. Still i am scared. Coz i also had fever for a night. Cold and cough. Thats y i am still scared. Really dont know what to think. What do u have to say for the fever n cold n cough

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is mostly due to some other infection not related to HIV so don't worry.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Fever with cold and cough is mostly due to some other viral infection not related to HIV so don't think too much because these symptoms are very common during the winter season. Consult your local physician and take treatment as per the advice. Don't get scared or tensed as you are not at risk of getting HIV.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 hours later)

Last question dear doc.

I have attached both my reports. PCR RNA qualitative. And duo test. Do i need re test again at 90 days ? And can u explain the dofference between qualitative and quantitative pcr rna.

Thanks .

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get tested at 3 months as per HIV testing protocol to be 100% accurate.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

HIV RNA PCR and 4th generation duos test are highly reliable and conclusive after 3 weeks still it needs to be repeated at 3 months as per HIV testing protocol to be 100% sure about your status. Also there is not so difference between qualitative and quantitative RNA PCR so be relaxed and get tested after 3 months.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad